Tutu writes about own funeral

This is according to his daughter Reverend Canon Mpho Tutu who says that, from time to time, The Arch tweaks it slightly but it remains the same.

"When he hears a piece of music he likes, he includes it. And sometimes he has outlived" his planned preachers and therefore changes it, she says.

His will, however, might not be needed anytime soon as he is responding very well to a two-week course of antibiotics, is not bedridden, and is "likely to be home next week".

Also keeping him buoyant are the messages, prayers, and especially "the jokes" that have poured in from supporters around the world.

"The love and prayers mean the world to him," said Mpho Tutu.

She added that, despite his own ill-health, he was still dedicating his time to praying for "refugees, and people in war-torn and strife-ridden areas" as well as for the well-being of minister of health Aaron Motsoaledi, who is recovering from a bout of pneumonia.

The Arch has been in contact with former US president Jimmy Carter who has melanoma, and while Tutu has received a "personal message from president Jacob Zuma, he has not received a personal visit".

Lastly, Mpho Tutu said that her father was "the best and worst patient".

"As a patient, he is in on sense ideal because he has minimal fusses, but he is the worst because he doesn't complain and doesn't want to make a fuss."